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Curvilinear Design Featuring Local Wood and Glass Elements As A Cultural Hub

Authors:
Thanat Thanapornpakornsin, Panon Sooksompong, Ninlanon Yuwattana
Curvilinear Design Featuring Local Wood and Glass Elements As A Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms crafted from local wood and glass create a dynamic cultural hub that fosters community interaction and engagement in Cesis.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design emulates the grooves of vinyl records to symbolize cultural connectivity.
02
Construction utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber, promoting sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a distinctive texture and aesthetic.
04
The building features a transparent façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior and promote visibility.
05
Community spaces are strategically positioned to encourage interaction between residents and visitors.

## Project Overview

Located in Cesis, Latvia—a city renowned for its medieval architecture and cultural significance—the design emphasizes connectivity and engagement through the thematic concept of "Groove." This approach highlights the relationship between key urban nodes, such as the bus station, concert halls, and historical landmarks, drawing inspiration from the grooves of a vinyl record. The intent is to create a functional space that encourages movement and interaction while recognizing the city's rich heritage.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout features a two-story configuration designed for operational efficiency and community gathering. The first floor accommodates a vinyl store, packing zone, storage, and a café, while the second floor is dedicated to exhibitions and meeting rooms. This arrangement fosters interaction among visitors and local residents, enhancing the overall user experience. The organic form of the building, characterized by curves that mimic vinyl grooves, naturally guides foot traffic and invites exploration, effectively integrating diverse functions within the urban fabric.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The design employs locally sourced materials that reflect the region's historical architectural styles while meeting contemporary needs. Wood is used for structural elements and cladding, promoting sustainability and craftsmanship. The incorporation of glass enhances transparency, creating visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, while concrete and steel provide structural integrity. This thoughtful selection of materials aligns with sustainable practices and reinforces a commitment to environmental responsibility. The overall design not only respects Cesis's cultural identity but also serves as a modern amenity for the community.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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